NICEVILLE, Fla. (Interstat) — A surging Northwest Florida State squad will look to solidify its standing and complete a regular-season sweep when it hosts a struggling Pensacola State team in a men’s junior college basketball matchup Saturday.

The Raiders (19-5), coming off a rare loss to Tallahassee State on Feb. 14, have been dominant at home and enter as heavy favorites against the .500 Pirates (12-12). Northwest Florida State handed Pensacola State a decisive 75-46 defeat in Pensacola just over two weeks ago on Feb. 4. In that game, Raiders forward Justin Burns controlled the paint with 13 points and 17 rebounds.

Burns, a consistent double-double threat, will be a primary focus for the Raiders. Over his last five games, he is averaging 12.6 points and 11.0 rebounds, showcasing his interior dominance. His matchup in the frontcourt will be pivotal.

For Pensacola State, the challenge is halting a seven-game losing streak that includes multiple narrow defeats. The Pirates are coming off a heartbreaking 78-76 overtime loss to Tallahassee State on Wednesday, a game in which guard Deven Bates recorded a triple-double with 19 points, 12 rebounds and 12 assists. Bates has been a bright spot during the skid, averaging 20.3 points, 7.6 rebounds and 5.3 assists over his last four full games played, but the team has struggled with consistency.

The Pirates will need similar heroics from Bates and scoring support from Sean Owens (20 points vs. Tallahassee State) to challenge the Raiders. In the Jan. 17 meeting in Niceville, Pensacola State took Northwest Florida State to overtime before falling 73-69, indicating the potential for a closer contest than the most recent blowout.

Tipoff is set for Saturday at Raider Arena. Northwest Florida State will look to maintain its momentum before a key road game at Gulf Coast State next Wednesday, while Pensacola State seeks a desperately needed signature win to reverse its fortunes.